486. Adapting to Rapid Technological Shifts feat. Azeem Azhar

Dec 4, 2024

Azeem Azhar, founder of Exponential View and author of The Exponential Age, discusses how rapid technological advancements are transforming business, politics, and society. He highlights the importance of adapting to these changes through continuous learning and strategic knowledge. Azeem breaks down the implications of general-purpose technologies like AI and renewable energy. He also addresses challenges in data ownership and the potential of AI for social good, especially in underserved regions, advocating for equitable access to technological benefits.

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INSIGHT

Exponential Age Economics

The Exponential Age differs from prior eras due to a shift from diminishing to increasing returns.
This makes traditional economic models, which assume diminishing returns, less applicable.

INSIGHT

General Purpose Technologies

Azeem Azhar argues that general-purpose technologies (GPTs) drive societal outcomes and prosperity.
GPTs like computing and solar photovoltaics experience continuous innovation and rapid price declines, unlike commodities like oil.

ANECDOTE

Evolution of Computing Power

Azhar uses the evolution of personal computers, from the ZX81 with 1KB of RAM to modern laptops with gigabytes, to illustrate exponential growth in computing power.
This example highlights the continuous increase in available computing power.

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Technology changes have always meant business changes, but with technology changing this fast, how long can businesses keep up? How can businesses work with technology to increase their own yields exponentially?

Azeem Azhar is the founder of Exponential View, a platform that features podcasts, newsletters, and video content. Azeem is also the author of the book The Exponential Age: How Accelerating Technology is Transforming Business, Politics and Society.

Greg and Azeem discuss the rapid technological transformations reshaping business, politics, and society, transitioning from a linear era to an exponential age. Azeem explains the historical turning points of technological revolutions, the economic implications of these changes, and the role of general-purpose technologies like certain AI models and solar photovoltaics. They also go over the challenges and opportunities faced by corporations and government bodies in adapting to these rapid changes, and how to mitigate many problems with the practice of continuous learning within organizations.

*unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*

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Integrating technologies into organizations

42:58: My observation with these technologies is that they're very, very powerful. There are clearly some good directions to head in, but they're a bit complicated to bring into an organization. And then the question about learning is this: Are you willing to do the work to bring onboard a powerful technology that's a bit complicated? That may mean you got to read a document on a weekend rather than golf, or do you not want to do that work? And I love learning, as you do. This podcast is about learning. Of course, I'm going to tell people, "Just do the work, get learning." Because it's never going to stabilize, right? This technology is not going to stabilize. It'll get better in many different ways and, therefore, harder to use. I can drive a Tesla Model 3; I can't drive a V12 Ferrari. I'm not a good enough driver to drive a great car. And so we have to get better at them. And that ultimately is your choice.

Are we all students in this exponential age?

49:58: In this new world, into the exponential age, we all become students because the world is going to change so rapidly. On the other hand, the cost of being a student is much lower than it ever has been because I've got a professor in my pocket. I will continue to learn, and I can continue to actively learn about the world.

AI's public good—who benefits and how?

54:07: I think that, with AI, the potential public good and social good of being able to put humanity's knowledge into systems that can become freely and widely available should force a process—an open process of discussion about how those rewards should get split and who should get what.